Catherine Tudor

20

It has been almost a year since the wedding of my beloved sister and her husband. During this time, I have been betrothed to Prince Charles, Duke of Orléans. I have found him to be quite handsome, being the second son of his family. Although he is yet to come and live in England, we have been writing to each other regularly. Our future plans include visiting both France and England so that we may bond with our respective families. This will also ensure that our future children shall be seen as true heirs of both kingdoms. I have found myself rather charmed by him and eagerly await our eventual union.

As I was writing a letter, I was interrupted by Jane Howard, formerly known as Seymour, who had recently married the Earl of Surrey, thus becoming a countess. Although her marriage was far from her station, I had backed their marriage, and it had been arranged successfully. I was curious to know what had brought her to me in such a hurry. I wondered if there was something wrong with my sister or if there was a complication with Anne's labor.

Lady Surrey exclaimed, "The queen has given birth to another prince!"

I felt joy bloom in my breast as I realized Anne was safe. She had given birth to a Duke of York, her second boy. I was elated by the news and immediately ran to see the new baby. As I ran to Anne's chambers, I caught the eye of my mother, Katherine of Aragon, the dowager princess, who was attending court. Although she was in ill health, she had signed the oath that Anne was the true lawful queen and wife to my father. This had allowed her to stay at court, and my sister Mary was often in her chambers.

As I approached my mother, she greeted me warmly. Although she had heard of my upcoming marriage to the French Duke, she expressed her preference for a Spanish match for me. I smiled kindly at her and explained that I was grateful for my arranged marriage to a kind man and that Father had claimed that I would be able to stay in England.

My mother dismissed me, knowing that I was eager to hold my new brother. As I curtsied to her, I bolted to Anne's chambers. Upon arriving, the lady in waiting announced my presence, and I was welcomed by my stepmother, Anne. My father was holding my new brother, and my sister Elizabeth was looking at him with a love-struck expression. William, my other younger brother, was happily trotting around the chambers.

As I came closer, my father gave me the baby, and I held him close to my heart. He had the Tudor coloring, although it was slightly darker than the rest of us, with dark blue eyes and dark red hair. I asked Anne what his name was, and she smiled at me, telling me that my father and she wanted to give me the honor of naming him. I thought for a moment and decided to name him Edward Jasper Tudor, a charming little duke.